Institute of Community and Civic Engagement

The Institute for Community and Civic Engagement (ICCE) is now the Vasconcellos Institute for Democracy in Action (VIDA)

If you are not redirected to the VIDA main page in a few seconds, go to it here

Higher Education for AB 540 Students

Our Mission

Higher Education for AB 540 Students (HEFAS) at De Anza College is an institutional and educational program that will provide resources, reduce financial stress, and create a safe learning environment for all students with an emphasis on undocumented/AB 540 information. It implements a book loan program, peer advisors, and free access to resources; which will secure their educational success. We are dedicated to empower students, build leadership skills, promote social justice, and advocate for higher education.

What is AB 540?

There are 3 Requirements to be eligible to AB 540:

1.) Attend a California High School for 3 or more years.

2.) Graduate from a California High School or receive a General Education Degree (GED)

3.) Register or be currently enrolled at an accredited public institution of higher education in California.

For more information or to sign the Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Request Form CLICK HERE.

Who is an Undocumented Student?

Undocumented students are foreign nationals who came to the US without legal documentation or overstayed their visas.

2.5 million undocumented youth live in the US; 40% of them live in California.

About 65,000 undocumented students graduate form US high schools each year. Only 5-10% of these graduates go to college.

Undocumented students may be eligible for in-state tuition under Assembly Bill 540 at CA public universities and colleges.